Spotlight: Allison Brindle, MD, FAAP President, Rhode Island Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

CTC-RI, in partnership with the RI Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP-RI), recently held a 3-part virtual series on recognizing and reducing burnout among pediatric providers. We asked Allison Brindle, MD, FAAP President, AAP-RI, to reflect on why identifying and addressing burnout and building resiliency among pediatric providers is a priority for AAP-RI.

Why is pediatrician burnout and resiliency an important focus area for AAP-RI?

The children and families of Rhode Island have been under extreme stress. Child and adolescent mental health, health inequity, access to care for our most vulnerable patients - all of these issues have been present in Rhode Island. Pediatricians are at the frontlines of promoting health and helping families navigate these challenges. This was happening before the pandemic, and the needs have intensified over the last few years. The RI AAP wants to provide pediatricians with resources to promote resiliency at a time when so many are stressed and feeling burnout. 

How have recent changes in the healthcare landscape and the continued impact of COVID-19 uniquely affected RI pediatricians this year? 

COVID-19, while bringing its own unique healthcare challenges, also highlighted the cracks in the foundation of our healthcare system, mental health system and community supports. Further challenges such as the infant formula shortage and threats to reproductive healthcare have layered onto those challenges. While there has been some positive change in terms of continued access to telehealth for patients and families, increased Medicaid payment for primary care doctors in the budget, and increased support for services such as Early Intervention, there is still a lot of work to be done to support pediatricians and others who support children and families. 

In what ways can pediatricians and care teams be better supported to avoid burnout and sustain a stronger workforce?

There is a growing body of literature to support institutional and community changes that can support pediatricians and workers across many different industries. The RI AAP will continue to advocate for policies in our state to support children, families, the pediatric workforce, and the workforce of others in the community who share our mission to support healthy children and families.